High Lead Levels Found In Little League Uniform Belts

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Aired 3/31/11

The Oakland-based Center for Environmental Health says Little League baseball uniforms may be hazardous to children. The non-profit group has found high levels of lead in baseball belts sold at some major retailers in California.

California  The Oakland-based Center for Environmental Health says Little League baseball uniforms may be hazardous to children. The non-profit group has found high levels of lead in baseball belts sold at some major retailers in California.

CEH tested Little League baseball uniform belts sold at Wal-Mart, Sports Authority, and Dick's Sporting Goods. It found belts from four different manufacturers had lead levels that greatly exceed the federal standard.

Caroline Cox is CEH's research director. She said the belts are potentially dangerous.

"When you touch the belt, like you're putting the belt on, taking it off, a little bit of that lead is gonna get on your hands," Cox said. "And then, if you eat something or put your fingers in your mouth, then that lead is getting inside of you."

Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause brain damage. CEH has filed legal action to get the companies to remove the lead from their belts.

The group has been involved in getting costume jewelry makers and lunchbox manufacturers to phase out lead from their products.

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